Manchester United could use Anthony Martial as a makeweight in order to secure Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.

What's the story?

United have reportedly seen an opening £50m bid for the World Cup-winning defender turned down and now could look for more inventive ways to secure their transfer target.

Duncan Castles recently claimed that Martial's agent had offered his client to Madrid as he searches for a new club, and he could now be used in a part player part cash deal, according to The Express.

Fans will be buzzing

The French forward had a poor campaign last term, scoring just seven goals in all competitions for the Red Devils.

His underwhelming displays appear to have seen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lose faith in the 25-year-old, with Martial being made available for transfer.

"Anthony Martial is to be sacrificed should they get this new forward in. Solskjaer is tired of his attitude and hasn't been impressed with his goal production and general knitting into the team this season," Castles revealed on the Transfer Window podcast.

“He has been offered to Real Madrid as an option for them in attack. He is being offered as a high-value season loan with an option to buy. Martial’s agent is trying to find him another destination this summer."

With United desperate to capture Varane this summer, the club's hierarchy could use the unwanted striker to secure one of their top targets.

Madrid are reportedly holding out for an £80m offer for the 28-year-old, despite the former Lens ace only having 12 months left to run on his current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Therefore, using Martial as a makeweight is likely to be a popular tactic amongst the club's supporters.

The former Monaco attacker has failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford, struggling for consistency and often appearing to lack the required work rate needed to succeed at the highest level.

Former Chelsea winger Damien Duff once labeled Martial as "lazy" and it's a criticism that is often thrown at the forward.

As a result, news that United could be swapping Varane for Martial will surely have the fans buzzing. He could be the perfect partner for Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence and form the base of Solskjaer's side for many years to come.

And, in other news...Woodward heading for huge MUFC transfer mistake over £500k-p/w monster, Ole must avoid